Ex-banker to help authorities over FIFA probes

U.S. authorities investigating corruption in world soccer have gained the cooperation of a Swiss banker, according to people familiar with the matter, leading their probe closer to financial institutions that prosecutors have said were used to move bribe money.

Although the U.S. has already received assistance from soccer officials and sports marketers caught up in the scandal, Arzuaga is the first banker to emerge as a cooperator in the investigation into a decades-long scheme of bribery and kickbacks to influence the awarding of media and marketing rights to tournaments in the Americas.

Arzuaga worked for Julius Baer and Credit Suisse. His clients included Alejandro Burzaco, a onetime Citigroup employee who later became one of the most powerful sports marketing executives in South America, according to the people. Burzaco pleaded guilty to money laundering, racketeering and wire fraud conspiracies, admitting he used several banks over almost a decade to launder bribes to soccer officials.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.